Education Commons^™

While research has shown that the racial diversity of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) is increasing, the efforts of student affairs professionals to foster racial inclusivity are under examined. This case study discusses findings from student affairs professionals at one HBCU to understand what they are doing to foster a supportive environment for non-Black students. Findings presented in this article are critical as HBCUs seek to increase the racial diversity of their student bodies

While research has shown that the racial diversity of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) is increasing, literature suggests that some stakeholders at HBCUs feel the diversification of Black colleges could change their culture, which some see as vital for promoting the success of Black students. Given this, the following study discusses findings from 1 set of stakeholders at an HBCU—student affairs practitioners—in order to understand their perspective toward the racial diversification of Black colleges. This instrumental case study not only examined perceptions of HBCU student affairs professionals toward the racial diversification of Black colleges, but also their efforts to …

The racial diversification of America’s higher education system has been at the forefront of legal argument for the last seventy-five years. Ground-breaking decisions birthed the inclusion of affirmative action policies in higher education after the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In recent years, both the utility and constitutionality of race-based admission practices have been challenged, and in some cases, have threatened to destroy contemporary notions of diversity, fostered through affirmative action policies. As affirmative action policies continue to be attacked and ultimately prohibited in some states, many colleges are halting the use of racesensitive admission practices. As …